Emily Reeve and her husband typically spend Thanksgiving away from home in Hawaii, Florida, or Disneyland, but this year they have decided to stay in Portland, Oregon due to concerns about potential unrest post-election. Anxiety surrounding the 2024 election is causing many consumers to reconsider their travel plans. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian noted that people prefer to be home during election periods, resulting in decreased travel demand leading up to and following the election.
A recent poll found that 64% of U.S. adults are hesitant to travel within the U.S. due to concerns about potential unrest depending on the election outcome. Businesses, including airlines and travel agencies, are also seeing changes in travel patterns and bookings in anticipation of the election.
Security measures are being increased at airports and polling places to ensure the safety of travelers and campaign staff. Despite this, 38% of adults are still planning to travel during the holiday season, though concerns about domestic tumult and economic uncertainty may influence travel decisions. Some families, like Olivia MacLeod Dwinell and her husband, have accelerated their travel plans to avoid potential post-election disruptions.
Others, like a multigenerational family considering a cruise, are holding off on vacation plans due to concerns about job security and potential government shutdowns post-election. Additionally, worries about political conflict during family gatherings have led some families to make separate holiday plans to avoid tensions. Ultimately, the uncertainty and polarization surrounding the election are influencing travel decisions for many Americans.
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